The judge observed that Kerala has developed a very unhealthy cultural practice that any religious festival or ceremony must be glamorised by fireworks and elephant parade.

A man walks past damaged structures at the spot where a massive fire broke out during a fireworks display at the Puttingal temple complex in Paravoor village, Kollam district, Kerala. (Source: AP Photo)

The Kerala High Court on Friday declined bail to 39 accused in the Kollam Puttingal temple fireworks tragedy that claimed 109 lives in April.

The Court, however, granted bail to two other accused stating that they had no active role in causing the explosion. They had only sold some substance to contractors one or two months back, Justice P Ubaid said.

Refusing the bail to 39 accused, including the temple Trust officials, the judge observed that Kerala has developed a very unhealthy cultural practice that any religious festival or ceremony must be glamorised by fireworks and elephant parade.

“It is high time we banned or controlled the use of fireworks, explosive substances and elephant parades in connection with festivals and ceremonies. No religion will promote or sponsor such explosive ceremonies,” the judge said.

The judge also observed that “the officers functioning under law do not have guts and commitments to enforce the law.” Noting that the bureaucracy requires refinement, the Court said if the officials had been stern, such an unfortunate incident would not have happened in Puttingal Devi temple.